Parliament censures president over graft scandals

JAKARTA, Indonesia {AP} In a first step toward possible impeachment, parliament voted Thursday to accept the findings of an inquiry that implicates Indonesia's president in two corruption scandals.

By a 393-4 vote, the legislature passed a censure motion demanding that President Abdurrahman Wahid answer the allegations against him. Forty-three deputies from Wahid's party walked out before the vote.

The move could spark a constitutional crisis in the world's fourth-most populous nation because Wahid has said he is not answerable to parliament.

There was no immediate response from Wahid. In the past, he has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

The assembly is expected to decide later Thursday exactly what action should be taken against Wahid. Most lawmakers favored sending a strong reprimand and demand that he answer the allegations. Others have demanded his resignation.

Under Indonesian law, Wahid  Indonesia's first democratically elected head of state in 45 years  will have 90 days to explain his actions. If he refuses, the legislature can initiate a lengthy legal procedure to remove him from office.

Earlier this week, the report by a parliamentary committee implicated Wahid in the two multimillion-dollar scandals, but presented no conclusive evidence that he had benefitted from the schemes.

The report by a parliamentary panel claimed Wahid was involved in the illegal transfer of $4 million from the coffers of the state food agency, Bulog, by a former business associate of the president. It also accused him of failing to officially declare a $2 million donation from Sultan Hasanal Bolkiah, the ruler of neighboring oil-rich Brunei.

At the presidential palace, Wahid met senior Cabinet ministers, including Defense Minister Mohamad Mahfud, who has warned that the military could intervene if protests escalate.

Outside parliament, thousands of protesters, most calling for Wahid to quit, took to the streets. Some brawled with small groups of the president's supporters outside the heavily guarded compound but most dispersed before the vote.

"Wahid is corrupt. He must resign," said Anwar Arif, who was among about 10,000 protesters. Fears of widespread violence did not happen.

Only two factions in parliament, including Wahid's own National Awakening Party, defended the president. Its members said parliament had no right to proceed with the investigation, adding that the matter should be handled by law courts.

With the vast majority of lawmakers against him, Wahid's political survival hinged largely on the continuing support of his deputy, Megawati Sukarnoputri. She has yet to comment, although Wahid maintains he has her backing. However, her party led the charge against Wahid.